Relationship Georgia DA Fani Willis and special prosecutor started earlier than claimed, witness says

Former friend testifies that the personal relationship of a Georgia prosecutor and special prosecutor began before the latter was hired.

Former colleague Robin Yeartie testified on Thursday that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had a personal relationship with special prosecutor John Floyd Wade before he was hired in the Georgia election interference case against Donald Trump. This directly contradicts statements from Willis and Wade claiming their personal relationship didn't begin until after Wade was hired in November 2021. Yeartie's testimony was part of a hearing to determine whether Willis should be removed from the case accusing Trump and others of conspiring to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.

Yeartie, who previously worked in the district attorney's office, testified that she saw Wade and Willis hugging and kissing prior to November 2021. In a court filing earlier this month, Willis and Wade acknowledged a "personal relationship" but said it had not resulted in any direct or indirect financial benefit to the district attorney. Wade stated that the relationship began in 2022, after he was hired as special prosecutor, and that he and Willis shared travel expenses and never lived together.

Willis' potential removal from the case would have significant implications for the criminal cases against Trump. An additional delay could impact the timing of the trial, potentially affecting the November election, when Trump is expected to be the Republican nominee for president.

The allegations of an inappropriate relationship have been used by Trump and other Republicans to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Willis' case. At a separate hearing in New York, a judge ruled that Trump's hush-money criminal case will proceed as scheduled.

The hearing in Atlanta has been marked by sparring between lawyers and the potential for uncomfortable details of Willis and Wade's relationship to be revealed. Roman's lawyer, Ashleigh Merchant, has subpoenaed several individuals, including Willis, Wade, and other employees of the district attorney's office. Roman, along with Trump and other co-defendants, is seeking to have the indictment tossed out and to prevent Willis, Wade, and their offices from continuing to be involved in the case.

Willis maintains that there is no financial or personal conflict of interest justifying her removal from the case. Judge McAfee stated that Willis could be disqualified if evidence is produced demonstrating an actual conflict or the appearance of one. The questions he wants to explore at the hearing include whether a relationship existed, whether it was romantic or non-romantic in nature, when it formed, and whether it continues. These questions are relevant to the existence and extent of any personal benefit conveyed as a result of the relationship.

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